AI Sol - is one enough?

[Almondsaz]

My tank is a 40 gallon and is approx. 31" wide. I have the light mounted so that the light is over the middle of the tank. I don't think I need a second light but there are "shaded" borders in the tank and I just put softies in those areas. It would be nice to have wider spread throughout the tank.

[bolling]

Originally Posted by Almondsaz

My tank is a 40 gallon and is approx. 31" wide. I have the light mounted so that the light is over the middle of the tank. I don't think I need a second light but there are "shaded" borders in the tank and I just put softies in those areas. It would be nice to have wider spread throughout the tank.

I have one over a 38 24 inches wide. Mine is only 6 inches above the tank. I also swapped out the 40 degree for 70 degree lenses. I feel like mine just covers the 24 inches so I would think you would have to raise yours higher than mine to get good coverage. I really like the Sol.

[Almondsaz]

bolling: thanks. Mine is currently 12" above the surface didn't want to raise it any further. I really like the output, design and the functions included with the light. I am so new to LED I wanted to check. I would be comfortable with MH or PCs because I used to run both, but now the LEDs are a whole new ballgame. Appreciate the input.

I am not familiar with the lenses...what is the benefit of the change? Does it improve coverage?

[bolling]

Originally Posted by Almondsaz

bolling: thanks. Mine is currently 12" above the surface didn't want to raise it any further. I really like the output, design and the functions included with the light. I am so new to LED I wanted to check. I would be comfortable with MH or PCs because I used to run both, but now the LEDs are a whole new ballgame. Appreciate the input.

I am not familiar with the lenses...what is the benefit of the change? Does it improve coverage?

The inside 4 lens pucks are 40 degrees for people that have a deeper tank, they concentrate the light more but if you want more spread and coverage you can replace them with 70 degree lenses. The outside four already have 70 degree lenses. It cost $25 to replace them and it is very easy. If you don't have a deep tank which it doesn't sound like it could be I think you would like the switch.

[Almondsaz]

Any special tools or skill needed?

[bolling]

Originally Posted by Almondsaz

Any special tools or skill needed?

small allen wrench, I forget the size.

[mkengr45]

2mm I believe. I just did this last night on three of my AI Sols. My tank is 30" deep, but the spotlighting effect was horrible. I will lose a bit of intensity but I only run them at 60% anyway, so ill just crank them up a little bit to compensate for the lense change.

[Almondsaz]

Bolling and mkengr45: Thank you for the information. I will check and see if I have the small allen wrench. Looking forward to the change to see if it makes enough difference.